Preparation of CuInGaSe2 Absorber Layer by Nanoparticles-Based Spray Deposition

Abstract

ABSTRACTCIGS nanoparticles for the CIGS absorber layer have been synthesized by low temperature colloidal routes. The CIGS absorber layers for solar cells have been prepared by spray deposition of CIGS nanoparticle precursors (∼20 nm) in glove box under inert atmosphere. An automatic air atomizing nozzle spray system with computer controlled X-Y step motor system was used to spray. The nanoparticle precursor CIGS film was deposited onto molybdenum-coated soda-lime glass substrates (2.5 cm × 5.0 cm) heated to 160°C. The film thickness in the range of 2 μm ± 0.3 μm was attained by spraying of 3 mM colloidal over an area of 12.5 cm2. The coalescence between particles was observed in the CIGS absorber layer under post-treatment of over 550 °C. This is related to the reactive sintering among the nanoparticles to reduce surface energy of the particles. The CuxSe thin film, formed on Mo film by evaporation, improved adhesion between CIGS and Mo layers and enhanced the coalescence of the particles in the CIGS layer. These are closely related to the fluxing of Cu2Se phase which has relatively low melting temperature. The CdS buffer layer was deposited on the CIGS/Mo/soda-lime glass substrate by chemical bath deposition. The CIGS nanoparticles-based absorber layers were characterized by using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM).